Scan barcode
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Nora and Simon Walden own The Stowford Bookshop in England. Nora inherited the shop from her mother who passed on her love of books to her. Unfortunately, the shop is currently in the red plus the taxes are due. It is hard to compete with online retailers. Another problem is that many of the people in the village are struggling so books are a luxury they cannot afford and weather is keeping the tourists away. When the oldest book in the store sells, it gives the couple an idea. They post on social media asking people if there is someone in their lives who can use a boost this holiday season. They draw out six names and send them a special Christmas book. Nora and Simon get to see how each book makes a difference in the life of the receiver. Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan is a feel-good Christmas tale. The book does get off to a slow start as we are introduced Nora and Simon. The story becomes more engaging the further I got into the book. We get to see how the books affect the receivers. The story also touches on depression. Many people are ashamed of having depression and do not discuss it with others. Winter plus the holiday season tend to make this mental health condition worse. I thought the author handled this subject very well. Christmas by the Book allows us to see how a gift can spread joy and hope. I liked how each book was right for each person’s situation. It was great to see what Nora and Simon’s idea sparked in others. The ending left me smiling. Christmas by the Book will help you get into the holiday spirit. Christmas by the Book is an uplifting holiday tale with a special sale, tax troubles, beneficial books, a dark depression, Christmas chaos, and a merry miracle.
debbiecollectsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Great story! Easy to read , anyone would enjoy reading this at Christmas. Reminds me of the story, "A Christmas Carol".
positivewoman2013's review against another edition
4.0
The beginning of the book was slow for me, but then I warmed up to it. A non-rom Christmas book, but still about love.
elkarehj's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
guk's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fairly pleasant if forgettable story set in the English countryside about a struggling bookshop at Christmastime. Setting it apart (slightly) are the main characters who are older and happily married.
jo_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
What better place to be in the run up to Christmas than in a bookshop, in a Cotswold village. Surely you should be living your best life trying to find the right book for the right person as a gift.
For Simon and Nora this has been their life for a number of years, but it seems that this could be the last Christmas at the bookshop. They need to draw people in, stop them going to the chains, to the online stores and to offer that something different.
When an act of kindness takes on a whole new twist, they send out six different books, randomly to people and it just so happens that the books that land with these six very different people all have very different problems and the books strike a chord with them.
As we learn more about the recipients we also learn more about Simon and Nora and how the bookshop, leaky roof and all is the things that keeps them together and how they relish being part of a small community who appreciate the kindness from its residents.
If you want a book to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside then this is the book for you, the bonuses being it features a bookshop and some great reads as well which you could quite easily take away as recommendations if you have not read them already.
Very different feel for me than some Christmas books I have read and it deals with current issues; mental health, loneliness, separation, probably more highlighted at the moment during the current pandemic. But there was something almost magical contained with the pages of the book as if I was watching some film, it felt American, but I cannot put my finger on why whilst reading it. However, I discovered afterwards that the author was born in America. I wish I could pin down what it was, the book reminded me of the Christmas books I have read by Debbie Macomber and I think that is a closest comparison I am going to get.
A book that can start your festive reading off if you have not started yet.
For Simon and Nora this has been their life for a number of years, but it seems that this could be the last Christmas at the bookshop. They need to draw people in, stop them going to the chains, to the online stores and to offer that something different.
When an act of kindness takes on a whole new twist, they send out six different books, randomly to people and it just so happens that the books that land with these six very different people all have very different problems and the books strike a chord with them.
As we learn more about the recipients we also learn more about Simon and Nora and how the bookshop, leaky roof and all is the things that keeps them together and how they relish being part of a small community who appreciate the kindness from its residents.
If you want a book to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside then this is the book for you, the bonuses being it features a bookshop and some great reads as well which you could quite easily take away as recommendations if you have not read them already.
Very different feel for me than some Christmas books I have read and it deals with current issues; mental health, loneliness, separation, probably more highlighted at the moment during the current pandemic. But there was something almost magical contained with the pages of the book as if I was watching some film, it felt American, but I cannot put my finger on why whilst reading it. However, I discovered afterwards that the author was born in America. I wish I could pin down what it was, the book reminded me of the Christmas books I have read by Debbie Macomber and I think that is a closest comparison I am going to get.
A book that can start your festive reading off if you have not started yet.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
A charming, feel-good Christmas story about a group of different people living in a small English town and the independent bookstore that is at the heart of everything. I liked the way ordinary people's lives are featured and the focus on mental health, especially around the holidays. The store owners are a couple who have struggled to keep it running but wholeheartedly believe in the power of books to help people. They perform some RAOK sending random books to people and naturally the books help bring joy over the season. The perfect heartwarming holiday read for booklovers and great on audio.
nikki1211's review against another edition
5.0
what a darling story of how books bring us peace, closeness, and friendship.